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George was currently establishing a basic magical barrier around the school, crafted in such a way that only mutants could pass through freely, while non-mutants would be restricted from entering.
Since it was a simple spell-based barrier, it didn't offer the highest level of protection, but it was sufficient to deter ordinary individuals.
In his previous life, he was no professional spy or agent, so there were bound to be flaws in his earlier setups. Ordinary people might not notice, but experienced intelligence agencies like S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra would likely pick up on any signs.
It was only a matter of time before they followed the trail to the mutant school.
Even though he had cast a Muggle-Repelling Charm to cloak the entire school, it was possible that S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra might have some advanced technology to bypass it.
In the Harry Potter world, Muggles couldn't see Diagon Alley due to the limitations of their technology. But in the Marvel universe, with its myriad forms of high-tech devices, the Muggle-Repelling Charm might not be enough.
If they managed to crack the charm, the foundational magical barrier would still keep agents and spies from sneaking into the school, buying everyone precious time to respond.
In truth, George's magic amplification in this world wasn't performing as well as he'd hoped.
Since Phoenix's hair came from a clone, it lacked the power of the Phoenix Force, and the new wand he crafted with it wasn't significantly stronger than the previous one he made using the Professor's hair.
Thus, his ability to cast the Undetectable Extension Charm in the Marvel world was far weaker than in the Fairy Tail or Harry Potter worlds.
If he could, he'd consider relocating the entire school into an expanded space created with the Undetectable Extension Charm, which would provide a much safer haven.
For now, the current setup was still relatively safe. Ordinary people couldn't see the school, and even if they did, they wouldn't be able to break in.
If someone attempted to force their way through the barrier with weapons, Wolverine and Professor X were no pushovers.
Although Professor X's telepathic abilities had dropped from level four to level three after transferring to a younger body, even a level three Professor could render the minds of any invading agents and spies blank.
"All set!"
Having only recently started studying the art of rune magic, George worked late into the night to establish the barrier that would cover the entire school.
"I really need to find a better wand core."
Phoenix's hair wasn't effective, and obtaining Dragon Crystals from the Fairy Tail world was no easy feat. He'd need to explore other options.
"Maybe I should try Hulk's hair, or even Thor or Loki's. After all, they're divine beings of sorts, so their hair might hold significant power."
As he walked back to his dorm, George mused over the possibilities.
"If Odin were willing to give me a single strand of hair, along with Uru metal and a branch from Yggdrasil, I might be able to craft a wand that surpasses those from the Fairy Tail world."
But upon reflection, he realized that even with a plan, it would be months before he'd have a chance to obtain any of these items.
The Hulk hadn't yet arrived in New York, and Thor and Loki were still in Asgard.
"Oh well, it's best to focus on deepening my magic knowledge first."
While the Hulk might be easier to approach, Loki and the Destroyer would be challenging to handle. To obtain what he needed from them, he'd need to significantly improve his skills.
With the new barrier protecting the school, he decided to devote the coming months entirely to studying the magic of both the Fairy Tail and Harry Potter worlds.
He aimed to advance his abilities significantly within that time.
Over a month later, in the Harry Potter world, it was now May.
Apart from one Quidditch match against Hufflepuff—where he triumphed handily, once again showcasing his talent in the sport—nothing much had happened.
That is, until the day Gryffindor was scheduled to face Ravenclaw in Quidditch.
As usual on a Saturday, George had finished breakfast early and was already at the library.
Recently, he'd been studying the Blasting Curse, a powerful spell capable of destroying anything it touched, with a high level of risk.
From what he knew, Peter Pettigrew had once used this curse to blow up an entire street, killing twelve Muggles in the process.
"Hermione, why the rush? Aren't you watching the game?"
Seeing Hermione arrive breathless at the library door, George showed a trace of surprise.
Today, with the Quidditch match on, all the teachers and students were heading toward the pitch, leaving only Madam Pince and himself in the quiet library.
Although Hermione enjoyed reading in the library, today was special—Gryffindor had a Quidditch match, and she wouldn't miss cheering for Harry.
"George, it's great that you're here! I think I might know what creature is in the Chamber of Secrets. Could you help me find a book on dangerous magical creatures?" Hermione, slightly out of breath, grasped George's hand excitedly.
George paused, then nodded. "Of course, no problem."
As he helped Hermione search for the book, he thought to himself, Could today be the day?
He remembered that in the original story, Hermione was attacked by the basilisk shortly after finding clues about the Chamber of Secrets. But he couldn't quite recall the exact date.
"Is it this one?"
After searching for a while, George handed Hermione an old, worn book on magical creatures, with a section on basilisks.
Hermione's face lit up as she took the book. "Yes, this is it—Dangerous Magical Creatures! Let me check."
Pulling George over to the reading area, she quickly opened the book and located the page on basilisks, reading aloud to him:
"In our land, there are many terrifying beasts and monsters, but none so strange or deadly as the basilisk, also known as the King of Serpents.
"This snake can grow to enormous size and often lives for hundreds of years. It is hatched from a chicken's egg, incubated by a toad.
"The basilisk's methods of killing are extraordinary. Besides its deadly venomous fangs, a single gaze from its eyes is enough to kill instantly.
"Anyone who meets its gaze directly will die on the spot. Spiders flee from the basilisk because it is their mortal enemy, and the crowing of a rooster sends it fleeing in fear, as the sound is fatal to it."
"So, you suspect the creature in the Chamber is a basilisk?" George asked in a low voice.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I think the creature in the Chamber is a basilisk, and it's been moving through the school's plumbing. Moaning Myrtle must have died because she looked it straight in the eyes."
She continued, "And in the recent attacks—Mrs. Norris must have seen its reflection in the water, which is why she was only petrified rather than killed. Colin only saw it through his camera lens, and Nearly Headless Nick was already dead."
"Your reasoning makes perfect sense. We should report this to Dumbledore," George said, fully endorsing her deduction, then added casually, "By the way, how's Harry's diary coming along? Any new clues?"
"You mean Riddle's diary? Someone stole it yesterday, and just before I came to the library, Harry told me he heard that strange voice again. I suspect it's the basilisk's voice," Hermione explained. "Since Harry is a Parselmouth, he's the only one who can hear it."
Hermione grabbed George's arm, "Let's go find Dumbledore right now. If the basilisk is back, then everyone's in danger!"
Charge on, time to dive back into work!
(End of Chapter)